Bipartisan immigration proposal released

A bipartisan group of eight senators, including Charles Schumer (D-NY) , John McCain (R-AZ),Richard Durbin (D-IL), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Jeff Flake (R-AZ), announced Monday they had reached an agreement on a proposed immigration reform. The proposal, entitled Admitting New Workers and Protecting Workers' Rights, addresses the need to secure the nation's border, modernize the current legal immigration system and create a tough but fair legalization program for undocumented immigrants who are currently in the United States. The proposal highlights four basic legislative pillars: an improved process for admitting future workers, an effective employment verification system, a stringent path to citizenship for unauthorized immigrants, and an improved legal immigration system.

In addition, the proposal addresses the issue of human trafficking and drug cartels as a means for immigrants to enter the country by creating a humane and effective entry system. Employers would be allowed to hire immigrants when Americans are unavailable for a job and a workable program to meet the needs of America's agriculture community, including dairy would be developed. The proposal would allow successful permit workers to earn a green card while calling for strong labor protections as well. An employment verification system would be established and employers would be held accountable for knowingly hiring undocumented works.

The Agriculture Workforce Coalition, which works to ensure that America's farmers, ranchers and growers have access to a stable and secure workforce, responded with a statement of cautious optimism. The Obama Administration has also releasee its proposal for immigration reform.